Three are charged as adults.
Sabillasville, Md (KM) State Police say charges have been filed in connection Sunday’s rioting at the Victor Cullen Center. Eight juveniles have been charged, and three of them are charged as adults. Diego Glay, 19, is charged with 1st-degree escape, 2nd-degree assault, riot, malicious destruction of property under $1,000, and theft under $100. Daniel Ennos and Bernard Moore, both 17, are charged with 1st-degree assault, 2nd-degree assault, 1st–degree escape, riot, malicious destruction of property under $1,000, and theft under $100.
Another five youths are charged as juveniles with riot, 2nd-degree assault, 1st-degree escape, malicious destruction of property under $1,000, and theft under $100.
“Our investigators are continuing this investigation,” says Greg Shipley, spokesman for the Maryland State Police. “There could be additional charges placed against these and other individuals as the investigation progresses. Our investigators will continue to work with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Department of Juvenile Services in this ongoing investigation.”
According to the State Police, the incident began Sunday morning when two juveniles at Victor Cullen got into a fight. “That fight led to assaults on staff. Juveniles obtained keys and radios from staff members during those assaults,” says Shipley. “They broke into a trailer that was located on the property, and stole some candy inside there. But damaged a window and doors during that entry into the trailer.”
At around 11:30 AM, troopers from the State Police Barrack in Frederick and deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded and set up a perimeter at the Victor Cullen Center. Additional assistance came from the State Police Mobile Field Force, the STATE Team and the Criminal Enforcement Division.
A deputy who has been trained as a negotiator communicated with the juveniles and was able to persuade them to give up. The eight juveniles were turned over to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Services.
Eight staff members at Victor Cullen were injured. Three were taken to area hospital for treatment.
In a statement, DJS says the eight juveniles charged in connection with this riot have been moved to other secure facilities.
The Department also says counselors and executive staff are at Victor Cullen to support the staff and the youth, and help the facility move forward. DJS Secretary Sam Abed has directed that new admissions to Victor Cullen be suspended. The Department says its investigation is ongoing.
DJS also thanks the Maryland State Police and the Sheriff’s Office for intervening during the riot. It also says staff at Victor Cullen risked injury to help protect other youth and staff at the facility. The Department says most of the injured were treated at the Center, and the staff who were taken to area hospitals have been treated and released. .
By Kevin McManus